Cherry Hill, N.J. – In a thrilling varsity eight race which capped an exciting three-day Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship, the Brown Men's Crew finished second in the country, besting Ivy League-rival Harvard by nearly half a length to take the silver medal back to Providence. The Washington Huskies put up a dominant performance, winning each grand final race. Brown, Washington and California were the only three crews at the Regatta to advance all five of its boats to the grand finals.

"We were proud to be part of a great championship," said head coach Paul Cooke. "It was a strong a team performance that we have had in about 10 years. It was an exciting regatta and to have every boat in the grand finals was an exciting day for Brown."

Not only the did the Bears take home the silver medal at the 2012 National Championship, they were also awarded the Clayton W. Chapman Trophy which is awarded annually to the school which generates the greatest increase in the total Ten Eyck point count, accumulated in the three men's heavyweight eight-oared events, plus any/all men's small boat events during the current year's IRA Regatta.

The V8 race was extremely competitive throughout, but with just 500 meters to go, Washington, Brown and Harvard distanced themselves from the field. The Huskies were able to maintain their lead throughout, while the Crimson actually took a late lead over the Bears in the last few strokes before Bruno turned it on, sprinting ahead for the second-place finish.

Brown's second varsity was just as impressive, also finishing second in the nation. The Bears battled Washington throughout the race, separating away from Harvard, California and Wisconsin. Bruno showed good speed, finishing almost a second-and-a-half ahead of the Crimson, but just a few seats behind the Huskies.

Brown earned its third medal of the competition in the varsity four race. Washington and Cal sprinted ahead of the field, posting fast times, but the Bears maintained their stroke rate to top Northeastern, Georgetown and Navy to earn a bronze medal.

The rookie boat for the Bears also took part in the grand finals. Bruno finished with a time of 5:52.331 and placed sixth overall in the nation.

In the open four, Washington and Wisconsin separated themselves from the pack as the Huskies went on to edge the Badgers. Cal, Harvard and Brown all battled for the final medal, but the Golden Bears used a strong finish to capture the medal while Bruno came in just behind the Crimson at 6:25.176 to place fifth overall.